Spreader for a Dana 60 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Erl · 02-25-2004, 11:42 AM

I am getting ready to change the Dana 60 ring and pinion from 4:56 to 3:73 in my truck. The service manual shows a spreading device to deflect the differential housing enough to remove the carrier. Is this spreader necessary? If so, can it be rented? Or should I just make one?
Erl

Rod · 02-25-2004, 12:24 PM

The things are in there fairly tight but they come out... I've done it in scrap yards while under the truck on my back, no speader apparatus involved..

Mike C · 02-26-2004, 02:24 AM

YOu can do it without the spreader. The newer 60's don't specify that you need it. Not sure if they have less bearing preload than the older ones. The spreader is NOT cheap. Randy's Ring & Pinion sells spreaders. About $250 so you'd have to use it more than once... I am going to buy one when I do the Trac Lok in my 60. I have 3 60's and two trucks that I will go through diff on. That will make it worthwhile IMO, plus I can pick up another one to do for $ at a later date I would guess.

Erl · 02-26-2004, 11:40 AM

Randy's ring and pinion plus my 68 GM overhaul manual say it is necessary to get the proper preload on the carrier bearings. Randy states that a major factor in many rear end failures is improper bearing preload. I am going to make one myself. I will post some pictures of it in action. If it works well I will loan it out to board members.
Erl

02-25-2004, 11:42 AM	#1
Erl Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 555	Spreader for a Dana 60 I am getting ready to change the Dana 60 ring and pinion from 4:56 to 3:73 in my truck. The service manual shows a spreading device to deflect the differential housing enough to remove the carrier. Is this spreader necessary? If so, can it be rented? Or should I just make one? Erl __________________ 1968 GMC 305 V6 3/4 4x4 Stepside 06 Corvette Daily Driver Dallas TX

02-25-2004, 12:24 PM	#2
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	The things are in there fairly tight but they come out... I've done it in scrap yards while under the truck on my back, no speader apparatus involved.. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

02-26-2004, 02:24 AM	#3
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	YOu can do it without the spreader. The newer 60's don't specify that you need it. Not sure if they have less bearing preload than the older ones. The spreader is NOT cheap. Randy's Ring & Pinion sells spreaders. About $250 so you'd have to use it more than once... I am going to buy one when I do the Trac Lok in my 60. I have 3 60's and two trucks that I will go through diff on. That will make it worthwhile IMO, plus I can pick up another one to do for $ at a later date I would guess. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

02-26-2004, 11:40 AM	#4
Erl Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 555	Randy's ring and pinion plus my 68 GM overhaul manual say it is necessary to get the proper preload on the carrier bearings. Randy states that a major factor in many rear end failures is improper bearing preload. I am going to make one myself. I will post some pictures of it in action. If it works well I will loan it out to board members. Erl __________________ 1968 GMC 305 V6 3/4 4x4 Stepside 06 Corvette Daily Driver Dallas TX



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